Battle of San Carlos Water

The Battle of San Carlos Water was a naval battle which occurred from 21 to 25 May 1982 during the Falklands War. The British Royal Navy was attacked by the Argentine navy and air force in "Bomb Alley" in the northern Falklands as it landed troops at San Carlos, and it lost 3 vessels, although its landings succeeded.

Background
On 21 May 1982, the 4,000 British troops of 3 Commando Brigade were landed in the northern Falkland Islands at the start of the British counteroffensive against the Argentines. 2 Para from the RORO ferry Norland and 40 Commando Royal Marines from the amphibious ship HMS Fearless were landed at San Carlos; 3 Para from the amphibious ship HMS Intrepid was landed at Port San Carlos, and 45 Commando from RFA Stromness was landed at Ajax Bay. Argentina strengthened its attack on the Royal Navy with an aim to destroy as much supply and support as they could to make the British invasion more difficult.

Battle
90 Argentine fighter-bombers from the mainland and 10 fighter aircraft stationed on the islands took part in the attacks on the British vessels in what came to be known as "Bomb Alley". HMS Ardent was destroyed on 21 June, HMS Antelope and HMS Coventry were sunk on 24 June, and MV Atlantic Conveyor was sunk on 25 May along with a vital cargo of helicopters, runway building equipment, and tanks. The destruction of the British helicopters was a heavy blow to the British land campaign, forcing the land troops to move on foot across the Falkland Islands' rugged terrain. However, the British landings succeeded despite the Argentine attacks.